2006-2007 NBA Thread

[Mister J]

It was such a brainfart. Why do you inbound the ball toward your own basket in a situation like that? To top it off, it was a horrible pass. Jeez GP. :rolleyes:

That aside, Miami has played some incredible defense lately. :up:

[batman44]

It was such a brainfart. Why do you inbound the ball toward your own basket in a situation like that? To top it off, it was a horrible pass. Jeez GP. :rolleyes:

That aside, Miami has played some incredible defense lately. :up:

Yes they have, hopefully they keep it up:up:

[Ben Urich]

The Magic might have wanted to guard Manu Ginobili. Just a thought.
****in' a. :csad:

[Mister J]

Yes they have, hopefully they keep it up:up:
Really. That's the only way there going to consistently win with Wade out. Otherwise, it's likely to get ugly ...like in the last Dallas game. :csad::woot:
The Magic might have wanted to guard Manu Ginobili. Just a thought.
****in' a.
Gino's started to pick it up as of late. The Spurs are flying under the radar, but they're still dangerous.

[Ben Urich]

I think tonight was the basketball gods getting back to me for saying the Spurs won't make it out of the second round of the playoffs.

[Ghostvirus]

*Runs naked through thread* WOOO!! BULLS WIN AGAIN!!! WOOO!!!

[Darren Daring]

I like the Magic because I was born and raised in Orlando. I like the Pacers because Reggie Miller, my favorite player, played for them his entire career. I like the Jazz because John Stockton played for them his entire career. I like the Bobcats because I think Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, and Gerald Wallace are some of the most exciting and underrated young talents in the game today.

So what determines teams I don't like? A variety of factors.

The Bulls - Ruined John and Karl's chances at a title
The Lakers - Ruined Reggie's chances at a title
The Mavericks - Awful fans
The Pistons - Their fans started a brawl against my favorite team
The Spurs - Arrogant, boring, and whiny
I'm indifferent to basically every other team in the league.



Because then I would be sharing the satisfaction of that team's success with their fans; I can't be happy if they're happy.


See, this is more of that idiotic stuff. Hating the Lakers and the Bulls because they were really really good. Not because they beat up puppies or hate Jews, or are bad people, but because they're good. That's literally, the worst reason to hate a team, far behind annoying fans. Ugh, Evan. So Ugh.

[Darren Daring]

i LOVE the Lakers...

I LIKE the clippers just a smidge....


cause i live in LA.. that is all



i HATE ALL OTHER TEAMS when they play my TEAM:cmad:



i like ALOT of players.... in the NBA......

i understand ben's loyalties.. while i dont follow this guideline(shaq is hated so would kobe if he left the lakers) ..but normally when i like a player i want him to do well ONLY to a point..i want NOBODY to win a ship but the Purple and Gold... but if we are out of it.. i usually lean toward the UNDERDOG first... the the CLassiest team ..then a favorite player...


and you guys leave darren alone..everyone has the right to follow bball on their own terms and you figured as soon as football was over we'd get more people and usually around this time( close to the end of the season) the ferver picks up... the more the merrier we've been needing differnt fans and diffrnt perspectives:word:

Ah, you get it great, a true classy fan. Also, the part about being nice to me didnt' hurt.

[Darren Daring]

It is fun to see teams lose where their fans get completely irrational about it (pre-2004 Red Sox, Sacramento during the Lakers rivalry, anybody with Schottenheimer as a coach, any Philly team), but that's probably more of an indication of how twisted I am. :o


It's a reason, so point, and a funny one, so extra points:up:

[Darren Daring]

Well the Clippers season is over: Livingston tore his ALC, MCL, PCL, lateral miniscus, dislocated his kneecap and his patella. :eek: :mad: :( :down

http://www.nba.com/clippers/news/livingston_update_070227.html


Oh, Good god:wow:

[hitmanyr2k]

I think tonight was the basketball gods getting back to me for saying the Spurs won't make it out of the second round of the playoffs.

It's no secret the Spurs are a 2nd half team. They fly under the radar and tinker with their lineups during the first half of the season trying to get their new players adjusted into the lineup and then in the 2nd half they get a new focus and start gearing up for the playoffs. It's like clockwork for them.

[Darren Daring]

WTF was that GP?! :cmad:

A near heart-attack on that last play and a blown 19-point lead (thanx to some miserable outside shooting), but a big W. :up:

Daddy dominates with 31/15/6. :cool:

Pleasant surprise effort from 'Toine and an abysmal performance from Kapono. It's like he has nothing without a kickout from penetration. Heatians have a great chance to get back over .500 against ATL on Monday. :hyper:


Did you see Shaq scamper back to the other side after his dunk with 30 seconds left? He's still dreamy.

[Ben Urich]

See, this is more of that idiotic stuff. Hating the Lakers and the Bulls because they were really really good. Not because they beat up puppies or hate Jews, or are bad people, but because they're good. That's literally, the worst reason to hate a team, far behind annoying fans. Ugh, Evan. So Ugh.

I don't hate them because they were good; I hate them because they ruined my childhood. Michael Jordan, Robert Horry, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal... they shattered my dreams. I can't forgive them for that, nor the teams they played for.

It's no secret the Spurs are a 2nd half team. They fly under the radar and tinker with their lineups during the first half of the season trying to get their new players adjusted into the lineup and then in the 2nd half they get a new focus and start gearing up for the playoffs. It's like clockwork for them.

I still think they're a step slower than in past years and it's going to kill them come playoff time.

[Darren Daring]

I don't hate them because they were good; I hate them because they ruined my childhood. Michael Jordan, Robert Horry, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal... they shattered my dreams. I can't forgive them for that, nor the teams they played for.

And you don't find this the least bit irrational? Even by sports fan standards?

[Ben Urich]

And you don't find this the least bit irrational? Even by sports fan standards?

No.

[Darren Daring]

Maybe you don't know what irrational means, do you have a dictionary handy?

[Ghostvirus]

See, this is more of that idiotic stuff. Hating the Lakers and the Bulls because they were really really good. Not because they beat up puppies or hate Jews, or are bad people, but because they're good. That's literally, the worst reason to hate a team, far behind annoying fans. Ugh, Evan. So Ugh.

It was never proven that Jordan hated the Jews, & Rodman was trying to help that puppy it just slipped out of hands at the last minute, & ran into traffic. Steve Kerr, however.:o

It's no secret the Spurs are a 2nd half team. They fly under the radar and tinker with their lineups during the first half of the season trying to get their new players adjusted into the lineup and then in the 2nd half they get a new focus and start gearing up for the playoffs. It's like clockwork for them.

I think Utah, Denver, San Antonio, & L.A. could all upset a team this year. The west is going to be an interesting watch. Where as the east will be either Detroit, or Chicago who comes out on top.

I don't hate them because they were good; I hate them because they ruined my childhood. Michael Jordan, Robert Horry, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal... they shattered my dreams. I can't forgive them for that, nor the teams they played for.

That is a bit melo-dramatic don't ya think? I only remember the Bulls playing Orlando once in the conference finals, & they only met twice when Orlando were contenders. The Bulls didn't prevent them from winning. The Magic prevented themselves from winning. They had a shot against Houston, & blew it hugely!

New York, & Indiana on the other hand. Have every right to be pissed at Chicago. If Jordan hadn't been around these two teams would have won a couple.

[Fran]

I'm back, fellas. :word:

Had to move into my new place, just got my wireless set-up :up:

Good game, J. I didn't see the majority of it, as I was at a film festival. But we got back with around 10 minutes left and saw that the Heat were up by over 10. So we played a game, then switched back when it was tied at 80 with around 50 secs left.

I wish Chauncey took his time with that shot, because he just rushed the hell outta it. :csad:

[Mister J]

How's the apartment? Fridge stocked full of Mountain Dew yet?

[Fran]

It's pretty damn awesome. It's actually pretty bare right now. The walls, I mean. I only have four things hung up on the walls :o

But I have Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi. :word:

[Ben Urich]

That is a bit melo-dramatic don't ya think? I only remember the Bulls playing Orlando once in the conference finals, & they only met twice when Orlando were contenders. The Bulls didn't prevent them from winning. The Magic prevented themselves from winning. They had a shot against Houston, & blew it hugely!

Who won the game? The Bulls. Who lost? The Magic. The Bulls prevented the Magic from winning. Saying 'The Magic beat themselves' is like saying they were as good then as the Mavs are now, that the only thing standing in their way is their own ability. That's not true.

Let me enumerate my teams' defeats from my childhood:
Who beat the Magic in the NBA finals in 1995? Houston.
Who beat the Magic in the conference finals in 1996? Chicago.
Who beat the Jazz in the NBA finals in 1997? Chicago.
Who beat the Jazz in the NBA finals in 1998? Chicago.
Who beat the Pacers in the NBA finals in 2000? Los Angeles.

So tell me again why I should now root for the Rockets, Bulls, and Lakers? I can't. They robbed my teams of any glory they might have had. It doesn't matter who plays for them now or how long ago it was. The fact remains, those franchises ****ed up my childhood and I can never forgive them for that.

Let me put it this way: If I had the chance to fatally wound Michael Jordan, I would. Maybe then we'd be even.

[Darren Daring]

Wow, you're so mature enough to be engaged.

[DarthRekal]

this is the PERIL of being a Lakers fan:cmad:


you expect them to do good.. you know they CAN be better than they are..yet they underachieve and mail in games and defenses...:cmad:

GOD.. i took a look at the schedule and it looks like its going to be another sub.500 month:csad: .. jeez we will be lucky to hold on to the eighth spot..if these guys dont pick it up now.... then we defntly need to do something this offseason..sign SOMEONE who plays D... argh why did we waste money on the SPACE CADET(vlad) AND the cookie monster??? bonehead move mitch:cmad:



DAMN!


okay im done i think

[Ghostvirus]

Who won the game? The Bulls. Who lost? The Magic. The Bulls prevented the Magic from winning. Saying 'The Magic beat themselves' is like saying they were as good then as the Mavs are now, that the only thing standing in their way is their own ability. That's not true.

Let me enumerate my teams' defeats from my childhood:
Who beat the Magic in the NBA finals in 1995? Houston.
Who beat the Magic in the conference finals in 1996? Chicago.
Who beat the Jazz in the NBA finals in 1997? Chicago.
Who beat the Jazz in the NBA finals in 1998? Chicago.
Who beat the Pacers in the NBA finals in 2000? Los Angeles.

So tell me again why I should now root for the Rockets, Bulls, and Lakers? I can't. They robbed my teams of any glory they might have had. It doesn't matter who plays for them now or how long ago it was. The fact remains, those franchises ****ed up my childhood and I can never forgive them for that.

Let me put it this way: If I had the chance to fatally wound Michael Jordan, I would. Maybe then we'd be even.

I was going to debate you on this, but after that last sentence. I really don't want to waste my time.

I am also sincerely sorry that basketball was your only outlet for happiness. I hope that you treat you kids well enough that they can find happiness after the game is over, & they realize that losing with dignity is just as important as winning.

Seriously your post saddens me.:csad:

[Mister J]

Lakers' Odom Out Again With Left Shoulder Tear (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2786964)

Rekal's going to hurt someone. Sorry dude. :(

[DarthRekal]

Lakers' Odom Out Again With Left Shoulder Tear (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2786964)

Rekal's going to hurt someone. Sorry dude. :(
im astonishingly neither surprised or mad..... this gives us(in my eyes) a pass on the season..had we stunk like we were doing and HEALTHY i woulda been majorly upset..but is it too late to tank and get into the greg oden sweepstakes????? how bout kevin durant????:huh:

**** this **** man ..... i had hopes for this season.. i guess the curse of chick isnt lifted yet// im honestly ready to take my sig off:cmad: :csad:

[Fran]

Don't give up yet, dude.

Did George W. Bush quit when he lost the popular vote? NO.
Did George W. Bush quit when he got that DUI? NO.
Did George W. Bush quit when he got that girl in high-school pregnant? NO.

Well, you get the point.

[batman44]

^hahahahah

[Ghostvirus]

Man, teams are dropping like flies. Who's next?

[Fran]

:csad::csad::csad:

[batman44]

Going into the fourth, Dallas need's to play some defense.

[Fran]

Pistons win a close one against MEMPHIS.

92-89.

Well, we lose a 3-point game, tonight we win one. :down::up:

[Ben Urich]

I can't believe we aren't losing. I thought we'd be down 25 by now.

[Fran]

I cannot believe this. I saw the standings for each conference.

And the New York Knicks are one game behind the eighth-seeded Nets.

May God help us all.

[Ben Urich]

I cannot believe this. I saw the standings for each conference.

And the New York Knicks are one game behind the eighth-seeded Nets.

May God help us all.

So they get the pleasure of getting swept by the Pistons....?

[Fran]

Of course! :up:

[Ben Urich]

**** this ****. :down

[Fran]

Sorry Ben. :csad:

:manlyhug:

[Ben Urich]

I just wrecked my room and knocked my door off its hinges. I am sick and tired of my teams getting so close and then ****ing it up. I don't know what to do anymore. This ****ing team.

[LastSunrise1981]

Dallas wins again tonight. :up:

15 wins in a row is an amazing feat and one that should be respected. 50-9 is a great record to have. Dallas still needs to work on their defense, Dampier needs to man up, and they need to start playing a bit better down the stretch especially when they have a big lead.

All in al I'm happy with their success and enjoy the winning very much. :yay:

[L.A.]

Clippers get a new team record by holding the Pacers to 64pts!!!:eek:

[batman44]

Tight win for Dallas tonight. Dirk keeps putting in key plays for our team and Terry has been playing better as of late. As Sunrise already mentioned, we need to work on our defense and maintaining our big leads.

[DarthRekal]

yes dallas...break chicagos record!:woot:

[The Riddler]

rockets are in a slump, but great news!

yao ming is set to return monday.

YAO looms.

[Ghostvirus]

yes dallas...break chicagos record!:woot:

Now I hope kobe breaks his f-ing leg today.:cmad: :ninja:

[Ghostvirus]

rockets are in a slump, but great news!

yao ming is set to return monday.

YAO looms.

5 bucks says they have a worse record with Yao, than without.

[Mister J]

5 bucks says they have a worse record with Yao, than without.
Yep. I'm too lazy to bring the numbers up to date, but these are Stein comments from 2 and 3 weeks ago:
Week 15: How can Rockets be 16-11 with Yao and 16-7 without him? Week 16: Rockets are 17-8 without Yao, 2-5 without T-Mac and 14-6 when both are healthy.McGrady makes it all work.

[Ben Urich]

How about the Wizards' victory today? Down 2 with a few seconds remaining, Gilbert Arenas drives the lane and gets fouled just as time expired. Don Nelson got a technical for arguing the call, giving Arenas 3 free throws. He hit them all and the Wizards won.

Wtf? :huh:

[Mister J]

I didn't see it, but that tech sounds weak. Nellie would have had to been really out of control for that to be merited. Besides, there's really no need for that. All you have to do is have someone go up to Arenas and say "If you miss these, y'all going home." Problem solved. :o

[Ben Urich]

I didn't see it, but that tech sounds weak. Nellie would have had to been really out of control for that to be merited. Besides, there's really no need for that. All you have to do is have someone go up to Arenas and say "If you miss these, y'all going home." Problem solved. :o

Yeah, that might have been a textbook star call. They didn't show Nellie blowing up, so I don't know if the T was deserved, but I have to wonder if that same call would have been made if it had been DeShawn Stevenson getting the final shot.

[Ben Urich]

I didn't see it, but that tech sounds weak. Nellie would have had to been really out of control for that to be merited. Besides, there's really no need for that. All you have to do is have someone go up to Arenas and say "If you miss these, y'all going home." Problem solved. :o

Yeah, that might have been a textbook star call. They didn't show Nellie blowing up, so I don't know if the T was deserved, but I have to wonder if that same call would have been made if it had been DeShawn Stevenson getting the final shot.

[DarthRekal]

okay its official.. ive given up on even gettin a winning record this year.. its NOT IN THE STARS for us... damn it was soo promising too... man i keep thinkin..what doesnt hurt us makes us stronger..but honestly this was THEE year for improvement ..after this.. i see a BLOW UP coming... cant waste Kobes prime years for long:cmad:


anyway.. GO DALLAS:word: :oldrazz:

[Ghostvirus]

WOOO! The Bulls beat the Bucks! Gordon had 48pts!:wow:

Hey J...
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p4/deezyolowlow/funny%20pics/yournext.jpg

okay its official.. ive given up on even gettin a winning record this year.. its NOT IN THE STARS for us... damn it was soo promising too... man i keep thinkin..what doesnt hurt us makes us stronger..but honestly this was THEE year for improvement ..after this.. i see a BLOW UP coming... cant waste Kobes prime years for long:cmad:


anyway.. GO DALLAS:word: :oldrazz:

You know if Kobe doesn't win another title. He will be remembered as Shaq's B**ch, & that just makes me feel all warm & fuzzy inside.

[Mister J]

Hey J...
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p4/deezyolowlow/funny%20pics/yournext.jpg

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6331/b00005mnra02aa280sclzzzdl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
There will be no season series sweep. :cmad:

[Ghostvirus]

Yes there will!:cmad:

[DarthRekal]

You know if Kobe doesn't win another title. He will be remembered as Shaq's B**ch, & that just makes me feel all warm & fuzzy inside.
yeah well.. last year shaq made chi town his *****....that got me giddy like a school girl:word:


Lakers will be on top again with or without Kobe..chi-town needs a miracle...last i heard $tern was only answerin prayers for marquee players:oldrazz:

[Ghostvirus]

yeah well.. last year shaq made chi town his *****....that got me giddy like a school girl:word:


Lakers will be on top again with or without Kobe..chi-town needs a miracle...last i heard $tern was only answerin prayers for marquee players:oldrazz:

LOL.

Is that all you got? A lame shot at the Bulls? Please, I have been hearing that all year. Doesn't really bother me anymore.

We shall see at the end of this year who is still standing, & who isn't. Our teams aren't that different. They both came into this season with big expectations, & have pretty much crapped out.

Edit: What heck are you baggin on the Bulls for. They both have pretty much the same record?

[DarthRekal]

lol yeah but you have a BETTER ROSTER AND you play in the EAST... plus you started it:oldrazz: lol you know i hate shaq i just jabbin ya:woot:

[The Brian]

Yep. I'm too lazy to bring the numbers up to date, but these are Stein comments from 2 and 3 weeks ago:
McGrady makes it all work.
the rockets have been playing great without yao because of mutombo and t-mac.

however, they're 2-4 in their last 6 after those comments by stein, mostly because mutombo is slowing down.

yao changes everything for the rockets; when they play against the top teams he's the one player that creates matchup problems.

and the rockets will have a better record with yao.

[Ben Urich]

Yao's starting tonight. :up:

[Mister J]

the rockets have been playing great without yao because of mutombo and t-mac.

however, they're 2-4 in their last 6 after those comments by stein, mostly because mutombo is slowing down.

yao changes everything for the rockets; when they play against the top teams he's the one player that creates matchup problems.

and the rockets will have a better record with yao.
McGrady is going to carry the team to prominence by himself. Of course he needs help. My contention is that it's his playmaking abilities (to create for himself and others) that's the key for Houston's success. T-Mac is averaging a career-high in assists and it's driven by his mixing up taking people off the dribble, while still being on target from the outside. When he went out in December with the back spasms they went 2-4 against middle of the road competition (that doesn't even include the loss in the Clipper game where Yao only played 6 minutes before getting hurt). When McGrady came back the game immediately after Ming went out, they rattled off a 9-2 mark. Naturally, they'll be better with Ming back in the lineup, but it's pretty clear who the lead dog is there. McGrady has produced the numbers and the Rockets have won games with him leading the way. He should get some MVP run.

edit: If Yao comes back at a high level, this could be fun to watch.

[LastSunrise1981]

I truly feel Dirk should be the MVP this year. He's earned it and Dallas started at 0-4 and are at 50-9. Of course I'm saying this because I'm a fan, however, no one can deny that Dirk has earned his place as being an MVP nominee and he should win it.

If Nash wins it again I'll be very disappointed and question the intelligence of the League. Dirk, Arenas, Wade(If he comes back soon), Kobe, and possibly T-Mac should be looked at as serious MVP's.

[Mister J]

Heat's Wade Plans On Returning This Season (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-wade030507,0,5966267.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)

MIAMI -- Heat guard Dwyane Wade announced Monday morning he will attempt to return this season.

Sidelined since dislocating his left shoulder Feb. 21 in Houston while reaching in for a steal against Rockets forward Shane Battier, Wade said he plans to undertake a vigorous rehabilitation program that could have him back for the final games of the regular season.

"My decision is for the next two to three weeks to rehab, with the possibility of coming back, but with no guarantee," Wade said at a hastily called announcement at AmericanAirlines Arena, "and to see if I have the confidence in my shoulder to play at a high level."

The Heat's season ends April 18 in Orlando. The NBA playoffs open April 21, although the Heat could be scheduled for an April 22 start to its postseason.

Wade acknowledged during last week's visit to the White House to commemorate the Heat's 2006 NBA championship that he faced two options: rehabilitation or surgery that would sideline him for at least four months.

Even by opting for rehab, Wade said he eventually would have to undergo shoulder surgery. By delaying the procedure, it is possible that Wade will miss the early stages of next season.

"It could have been easy for me just to shut it down,'' he said. "It's tough, because I don't know if I can attack. But my body is my body; I'll find out after the rehab."

Wade also revealed he tore his labrum.

"There's no further damage I can do,'' he said of his medical opinions.

Wade said he remains aware the shoulder could again pop out of place upon his return.

"You would hope to think you could come back to play a couple of games,'' he said of a potential regular-season return. "My spirits are high. I'm excited to go forward and do the therapy."

Wade received similar diagnoses when initially meeting with Heat physician Harlan Selesnick and then last week with noted shoulder specialist James Andrews. Andrews, in fact, recommended Wade begin to attempt to get more range of motion in the therapy. But Andrews also warned Wade there is no guarantee rehab would lead to a return.

Heat guard Eddie Jones took such a non-surgical path in 2001 after a similar shoulder injury, returning for the playoffs. Jones, however, does not play nearly as aggressive a style as Wade. The difference is the NBA now allows players to wear shoulder protection that extends beyond the uniform, which could prove of benefit to Wade.

"He was very confident with the rehab that I could do it,'' Wade said of Jones.

With the decision to avoid surgery, Wade and the Heat are hoping that rest and special exercises will re-strengthen the shoulder enough to keep the bone from popping out of the socket again, sports physicians said. Typically, such a program takes four to six weeks.

The Heat is 4-8 this season in the absence of Wade, who leads the team with a 28.8 scoring average. It went into Monday night's home game against the Hawks 3-2 since Wade was sidelined.
I didn't know he tore his labrum, but at least there's no further damage that can be done. There's no guarantee on anything, but if two doctors (including Andrews, whose greatness I've been hearing about since I was a child) are telling him rehab is a viable option, I'm glad to hear it.

The boys need to keep playing D and being efficient on the offensive end in the meanwhile, but it'd be nice to be whole going into the playoffs.

Flash Looms. :D

...I hope. :( :ninja:

[Fran]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k287/lforlucas/noooooo.jpg

[Ultimate_Superman]

Yeah, that might have been a textbook star call. They didn't show Nellie blowing up, so I don't know if the T was deserved, but I have to wonder if that same call would have been made if it had been DeShawn Stevenson getting the final shot.I was at the game he got T for calling the ref ****ing stupid.

[Mister J]

I thought Arenas said it was '****ing idiot'.

Either way, Nellie should have a bit more restraint, regardless of what he thought of the call, and kept his ass off the court. Still, to issue a tech with .1 second left, a guy going to the line for 2 in a 2-point game, is weak. Even if that term gets you a T during any other point during the game, the ref has to suck it up there. That's factoring way too much into the outcome. At first mention of it, I thought Nellie had to have hit the ref or something.

[LastSunrise1981]

Heat's Wade Plans On Returning This Season (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-wade030507,0,5966267.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)


I didn't know he tore his labrum, but at least there's no further damage that can be done. There's no guarantee on anything, but if two doctors (including Andrews, whose greatness I've been hearing about since I was a child) are telling him rehab is a viable option, I'm glad to hear it.

The boys need to keep playing D and being efficient on the offensive end in the meanwhile, but it'd be nice to be whole going into the playoffs.

Flash Looms. :D

...I hope. :( :ninja:

Glad to hear that it wasn't anything really major. But I hope he's not risking further damage by returning, especially when you consider how much contact he takes while driving to the hoop and sometimes falling to the floor.

So hopefully for his sake he's not going to damage himself any further.

[Ghostvirus]

lol yeah but you have a BETTER ROSTER AND you play in the EAST... plus you started it:oldrazz: lol you know i hate shaq i just jabbin ya:woot:

A better all around team. yes. Better roster, no. Kobe is one of the best players, & Phil the Red of this generation. I would gladly take Kobe, & Phil back. If it mean exploding this team.

I would even go as far as to say Lamar is better than Wallace. Wallace is a one trick pony. Have you seen his ball handling skills! I cringe everytime he tries to drive to the basket.

McGrady is going to carry the team to prominence by himself. Of course he needs help. My contention is that it's his playmaking abilities (to create for himself and others) that's the key for Houston's success. T-Mac is averaging a career-high in assists and it's driven by his mixing up taking people off the dribble, while still being on target from the outside. When he went out in December with the back spasms they went 2-4 against middle of the road competition (that doesn't even include the loss in the Clipper game where Yao only played 6 minutes before getting hurt). When McGrady came back the game immediately after Ming went out, they rattled off a 9-2 mark. Naturally, they'll be better with Ming back in the lineup, but it's pretty clear who the lead dog is there. McGrady has produced the numbers and the Rockets have won games with him leading the way. He should get some MVP run.

edit: If Yao comes back at a high level, this could be fun to watch.

Here's hoping a healthy rockets team, plays Dallas.:up:

Just put Dikembe in the PF position. DEADLY!

Heat's Wade Plans On Returning This Season (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-wade030507,0,5966267.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)


I didn't know he tore his labrum, but at least there's no further damage that can be done. There's no guarantee on anything, but if two doctors (including Andrews, whose greatness I've been hearing about since I was a child) are telling him rehab is a viable option, I'm glad to hear it.

The boys need to keep playing D and being efficient on the offensive end in the meanwhile, but it'd be nice to be whole going into the playoffs.

Flash Looms. :D

...I hope. :( :ninja:

Hopefully the loss they suffer on March 7th doesn't hurt them any. I want Chicago, & Miami to meet in the playoffs. I mean they need to play easy teams to rest up, for when they play Detroit.:ninja:

Glad to hear that it wasn't anything really major. But I hope he's not risking further damage by returning, especially when you consider how much contact he takes while driving to the hoop and sometimes falling to the floor.

So hopefully for his sake he's not going to damage himself any further.

So are you backtracking? For almost a year. All you have been saying is how Wade doesn't really get hit. he just gets tick tacky fouls. Whats up?

[LastSunrise1981]

A better all around team. yes. Better roster, no. Kobe is one of the best players, & Phil the Red of this generation. I would gladly take Kobe, & Phil back. If it mean exploding this team.

I would even go as far as to say Lamar is better than Wallace. Wallace is a one trick pony. Have you seen his ball handling skills! I cringe everytime he tries to drive to the basket.



Here's hoping a healthy rockets team, plays Dallas.:up:

Just put Dikembe in the PF position. DEADLY!



Hopefully the loss they suffer on March 7th doesn't hurt them any. I want Chicago, & Miami to meet in the playoffs. I mean they need to play easy teams to rest up, for when they play Detroit.:ninja:



So are you backtracking? For almost a year. All you have been saying is how Wade doesn't really get hit. he just gets tick tacky fouls. Whats up?

Not backtracking at all. I'm not saying that he doesn't get hit, I am saying that most of his contact happens when he hits the floor and he hits the floor hard at times.

I don't believe he was fouled in the finals and sometimes don't always believe he's fouled while driving into the lane this season, however, no one can deny that he's always falling onto the floor and the impact can be pretty bad at times. So hopefully for his sake he doesn't drive in one game and land on his shoulder the wrong way.

Yes, he does get tick tacky calls sometimes. Every superstar player gets them unfortunately.

[Mister J]

I would even go as far as to say Lamar is better than Wallace. Wallace is a one trick pony. Have you seen his ball handling skills! I cringe everytime he tries to drive to the basket.
Wallace drives to the basket? :huh: ...by design? :huh:
Here's hoping a healthy rockets team, plays Dallas.:up:

Just put Dikembe in the PF position. DEADLY!
Ming is coming back at the best possible time for Deke. Fumes, man. Fumes. I'll give it to him, the man channeled some good ball over the last few months, but he needs a significant reduction of minutes if he's going to contribute effectively come May.
Hopefully the loss they suffer on March 7th doesn't hurt them any. I want Chicago, & Miami to meet in the playoffs. I mean they need to play easy teams to rest up, for when they play Detroit.:ninja::cmad:
So hopefully for his sake he doesn't drive in one game and land on his shoulder the wrong way.
Like I said before, if that happens, I'll be the one with tears in his eyes. :csad:

[Mister J]

Egads, Ron Ron. :whatever:

Report: Kings' Forward Artest Arrested (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6531512?MSNHPHMA)
According to a report on the Sacramento Bee web site, troubled Kings star Ron Artest was arrested Monday morning on domestic violence charges.

Placer County sheriff's officials made the announcement Monday and are planning a press conference for later that afternoon to discuss the incident, which was reported in a 911 call at 9:23 a.m.

Deputies responding to Artest's home found a woman who had made the emergency call and arrested Artest after speaking to both him and the woman separately.

Artest was arrested on a charge of domestic violence and of using force or violence to prevent his victim from reporting a crime. Bail was set at $50,000.

Dena Erwin, a spokeswoman for the Placer County Sheriff's Department, said the woman "had injuries but she declined medical attention."

Kings spokesman Troy Hanson told the newspaper, "We are aware of the situation and are in the process of gathering information."

[Ben Urich]

Wallace drives to the basket? :huh: ...by design? :huh:

I've seen it. He'll get the ball on the left baseline, maybe 5 feet from the block, and try to put the ball on the ground. I think Jake Tsakalidis has a better handle. :csad:

[Fran]

LAWL @ Artest.

[Ben Urich]

Odds that Ron-Ron is traded in the offseason? Anyone?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

*sighs in pain and anguish* What the hell are the Warriors and Nellie doing for that matter?! :mad: :(

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

OMG! They are actually beating the D?! Amazing! :eek:

[Mister J]

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4185/nbaaartest195be7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Artest Off Team After Arrest For Domestic Violence (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2788871) :D
Damn Ron Ron. Got your windshield busted, arrested and sent home from work all in the same day. Way to go! :o

Golden State put it on Detroit. :eek:

Miami finally got above the .500 mark again and played outstanding D. Sexy. :cool:
Eddie Jones took over in the 4th. I'm really not used to seeing that, even back in his original run as a Heatian. I'll take it up, though. :up:

It's Shaq Daddy's birthday tomorrow, with the official party to take place Wednesday night at the Triple A all over Chicago's candy ass. *shakes fist like madman* :cmad:

[Fran]

Goddamn Warriors.

[Ben Urich]

The Heat won :down
The Pistons lost :up:
The Magic won :up:
The Nets visit the Mavs tomorrow :up:

Overall, not a bad day :yay:

[Fran]

I got a new Venom avatar :up:
The Pistons lose :down
The Heat won :down
The Magic won :down
Zodiac kicked ass :up:

Not too bad. :)

[Ben Urich]

What do you have against the Magic? :huh:

[Mister J]

Kapono's ankle sprain looks to be worse than I thought (which was minimal). :down

If he has to miss some time, I rather see Posey continue to come off the bench (his energy is too good in that role). Maybe we can get a Dorrell sighting. :up:

[Ben Urich]

Posey should start every game. Love the high socks. :up:

[Immortalfire]

Egads, Ron Ron. :whatever:

Report: Kings' Forward Artest Arrested (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6531512?MSNHPHMA)

Just another day in the NBA.

[Ghostvirus]

Kapono's ankle sprain looks to be worse than I thought (which was minimal). :down

If he has to miss some time, I rather see Posey continue to come off the bench (his energy is too good in that role). Maybe we can get a Dorrell sighting. :up:

Wow dude. It seems something higher than stern is trying to keep you guys down. Sorry.:csad:

[Mister J]

Wow dude. It seems something higher than stern is trying to keep you guys down. Sorry.:csad:
Doesn't seem to be too bad; X-rays were negative, but no long-term prognosis yet. Jason has been struggling to find his shot ever since Wade went down. Maybe a little time off can help him focus a bit more.

...OK, I totally made that last part up, but I'm reaching for anything here.

In other news, Dallas' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 1. :dry:
It's ****ing early March. :dry:

[Fran]

What do you have against the Magic? :huh:

I don't like Dwight Howard.

[Ben Urich]

I don't like Dwight Howard.

What's not to like? :huh:
He's nice, soft-spoken, and fairly skilled. :huh:
I mean, I'm not saying you should tattoo his no. 12 on your face or anything, but to dislike him...? :huh:
He also leads the league in dunking.

[Fran]

He was talking smack about taking Ben Wallace's rebounding title a couple years ago, when he was a rookie I believe.

:down

[Mister J]

ESPN's Top 10 Greatest Centers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-GreatestCenters)

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Wilt Chamberlain
3. Bill Russell
4. Shaquille O'Neal
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
6, Moses Malone
7. Bill Walton
8. David Robinson
9. George Mikan
10. Patrick Ewing

Pretty good list and write-up. I would have put Mikan ahead of Robinson (and possibly Walton) and probably would have bumped Ewing for Wes Unseld, Robert Parish or Willis Reed. Maybe Dave Cowens.

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

ESPN's Top 10 Greatest Centers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-GreatestCenters)

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2. Wilt Chamberlain
3. Bill Russell
4. Shaquille O'Neal
5. Hakeem Olajuwon
6, Moses Malone
7. Bill Walton
8. David Robinson
9. George Mikan
10. Patrick Ewing

Pretty good list and write-up. I would have put Mikan ahead of Robinson (and possibly Walton) and probably would have bumped Ewing for Wes Unseld, Robert Parish or Willis Reed. Maybe Dave Cowens.

Nah keep Ewing, just because he didn't win one doesn't mean he wasn't one of the best. He was a bad mo fo, just could never get er done. Same with Lebron, I'm calling it, unless Lebron is matched up with a bonafied superstar (Shaq, Kobe, KG, Carmelo, D-Wade, Ming, Nash, Kidd, Allen,Duncan) or someone similar I don't think he will win a title.

I know I am going to catch a lot of heat for saying that, but I just don't think he can do it without some major help. No comparisons to Jordan or anyone else, I am just saying I don't think he has what it takes to carry a team on his own.

[Buford The Sly]

Mavs going to make it 16 in a row tonight.

[Mister J]

Nah keep Ewing, just because he didn't win one doesn't mean he wasn't one of the best. He was a bad mo fo, just could never get er done. Same with Lebron, I'm calling it, unless Lebron is matched up with a bonafied superstar (Shaq, Kobe, KG, Carmelo, D-Wade, Ming, Nash, Kidd, Allen,Duncan) or someone similar I don't think he will win a title.

I know I am going to catch a lot of heat for saying that, but I just don't think he can do it without some major help. No comparisons to Jordan or anyone else, I am just saying I don't think he has what it takes to carry a team on his own.
Ewing was no doubt bad, I just seem to have a higher level of affinity for some of the other names that didn't make the list. Pat definitely earned his imminent spot in Springfield. I'm just a bit nostalgic in some love for the older guys.

No heat about Lebron though. He can't do it by himself. I don't think anyone can. All great players need some help; another All-Star calibur player in order to get it done. He doesn't have that in Cleveland right now and if he's going to get to that championship level, they'll need to be some personnel changes.

[Mister J]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2789942
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest slapped a woman's face and grabbed her repeatedly, causing visible injuries, according to a sheriff's report made public Tuesday.

Artest was arrested Monday after a woman inside his home in a Sacramento suburb called 911 and said she had been assaulted.

"Victim sustained visible trauma after being repeatedly grabbed by Artest and pushed to the floor," said the Placer County Sheriff's Department report. "Artest then slapped victim's face [and] by use of force prevented victim from leaving."

The report also said Artest took a phone from the woman the first time she tried to call 911.

Authorities also said a 3-year-old girl was inside the house at the time of the argument.
Seriously ...

I hope they lock this clown up. :rolleyes:

[Ghostvirus]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2789942

Seriously ...

I hope they lock this clown up. :rolleyes:

You better be nice. The Kings let him go, & rumor has it. He is headed to either Miami, or L.A.

No only is your team riddled with injuries. You may be getting cancer soon. Congrats!:up:

[Mister J]

You better be nice. The Kings let him go, & rumor has it. He is headed to either Miami, or L.A.

No only is your team riddled with injuries. You may be getting cancer soon. Congrats!:up:
That's the buzz on the Heat blogs and I'm all kinds of against it. Given how a couple of years ago this fool flipped off the crowd, mouthed off to Keith Askins and Riles on the bench (walking over running his trap and flexing his arms) and apparently likes to beat on women, the last thing I want to see is his ass in a Miami jersey. He's a hell of a ball player, but this dude need to see a shrink or something. :down

You all should welcome him back in Chicago. :up: :oldrazz:

[LastSunrise1981]

Phil Jackson and Pat Riley will NEVER put up with Artest. So don't expect to see him in any of their uniforms anytime soon.

[Fran]

Who made you that avatar?

[Ghostvirus]

That's the buzz on the Heat blogs and I'm all kinds of against it. Given how a couple of years ago this fool flipped off the crowd, mouthed off to Keith Askins and Riles on the bench (walking over running his trap and flexing his arms) and apparently likes to beat on women, the last thing I want to see is his ass in a Miami jersey. He's a hell of a ball player, but this dude need to see a shrink or something. :down

You all should welcome him back in Chicago. :up: :oldrazz:

Naw. We're good. Thanks though.:o

Phil Jackson and Pat Riley will NEVER put up with Artest. So don't expect to see him in any of their uniforms anytime soon.

Don't be so sure. Phil did manage to wrangle Rodman.

[DarthRekal]

okay carnage i call shenanigans on your last post(about a better roster)

its OT right now.. we got SMUSH,COOK,BYNUM,EVANS and Kobe on the floor...NONE of these guys would START on another team:cmad:


where as your SIXTH..yes SIXTH man scores 40-50pts a night....:whatever:

[batman44]

Mavericks win against Nets 102-89:up:

[Ghostvirus]

Kobe would most definetly start on another team. You are just upset, & I understand. I don't really watch the Lakers enough to tell you what the problem is. Everything started out so good for you all. Sorry.:csad:

[Mister J]

Ricky Davis has 31/8/8 going into 2OT. What are the odds on him missing two shots, getting his own rebound on each and passing the ball to himself twice to convert in order to get the triple-double? :huh: :hyper: :dry:

[LastSunrise1981]

Mavericks win against Nets 102-89:up:

The winning just continues. *Does a little happy dance*

Next game won't be until Sunday against the Lakers, so they get a nice 5 day rest and should be prepared for Los Angeles. Either way it's great to see them stack up wins and remain motivated for the big dance.

Go Mavs!!

[Fran]

Sunrise, did you steal that avatar from someone?

[DarthRekal]

Kobe would most definetly start on another team. You are just upset, & I understand. I don't really watch the Lakers enough to tell you what the problem is. Everything started out so good for you all. Sorry.:csad:
im talkin about our roster.... your is way deeper and better ben gordon would start for us...THAT IS THE PROBLEM..if you watch us you will see everyone standing around depending on kobe..looking for kobe..waiting for kobe to do something.... the rest of our players are garbage:cmad:

[LastSunrise1981]

Sunrise, did you steal that avatar from someone?

Nope, I asked if I could use it and no one responded. GG made the avatar I'm sporting on the SM3 forum obviously.

But who cares? Dallas wins and all anyone can talk about is a freaking Avatar? Please.

[Ghostvirus]

[Vanilla Ice] Yours is different Farmerfran. It has the 3 after it[/Vanilla Ice]

[DarthRekal]

[Vanilla Ice] Yours is different Farmerfran. It has the 3 after it[/Vanilla Ice]
LMAO

[Fran]

Nope, I asked if I could use it and no one responded. GG made the avatar I'm sporting on the SM3 forum obviously.

But who cares? Dallas wins and all anyone can talk about is a freaking Avatar? Please.

Okay, sorry.

Don't throw a hissy fit about me not caring for Dallas winning, okay? Thanks.

[Ghostvirus]

im talkin about our roster.... your is way deeper and better ben gordon would start for us...THAT IS THE PROBLEM..if you watch us you will see everyone standing around depending on kobe..looking for kobe..waiting for kobe to do something.... the rest of our players are garbage:cmad:

I am going to watch the Lakers (hopefully beat) & the Mavs. I will form a opinion then. I just can't believe that A team with Kobe, & Coach Phil. Is doing this bad. It boggles the goggles.

As for Gordon. The Bulls tried starting him. He played rather poorly, so they stuck him back on the bench. Being the sixth man is just his role. He would eventually be put there in LA as well.

[DarthRekal]

Nope, I asked if I could use it and no one responded. GG made the avatar I'm sporting on the SM3 forum obviously.

But who cares? Dallas wins and all anyone can talk about is a freaking Avatar? Please.
if you haventnoticed..NOONE cares for ANY team but their own... excuse us if we dont GROVEL at the mavs feet:whatever:

[batman44]

The love in this thread......

[Fran]

I mean:

Oh my God, Sunrise. The Mavs won again?!?!? I congratulate your glorious team on their 51st win! *Bows to Sunrise's feet* We should all worship the Mavericks! Hail Dallas! :up:

:whatever:

[LastSunrise1981]

Maybe it's too soon for me to say, but I think it's safe to say that Dallas will have the number one seed in the West.

I will say that even though I believe in Dallas, I still believe the Lakers, Jazz, and Rockets will be the biggest problems for Dallas in terms of match-ups and how great defensively they are too. My prediction? For the WCF it's probably going to come down to Dallas/San Antonio or Dallas/Phoenix.

As for the NBA championships I believe it'll be Dallas and Detroit.

But as we all know from the Heat winning the championship, anything can happen in the NBA.

@Farmer- I don't care if you don't care about the Mavs. I just find it funny how when the Mavs win the naysayers get quiet and don't want to acknowledge them. :yay:

[Fran]

@Sunrise - How the hell am I a naysayer? Just because I don't talk about them in every post (hardly even mention them at all) doesn't mean I hate them! You just think that you should be worshiped in this thread because your team has the best record, and that's just making you a little arrogant.

But if Detroit gets into the Finals, I hope we kick some ass.

[LastSunrise1981]

if you haventnoticed..NOONE cares for ANY team but their own... excuse us if we dont GROVEL at the mavs feet:whatever:

No, that's not true. All I'm saying is that the Mavs won and all anyone can talk about is my freaking avatar? No one wants to discuss basketball or how close the playoffs are?

Who ****ING cares about whether I have the same avatar as Farmer?

@Farmer- Yes, I am enjoying that the Mavs are the first team in the NBA to garner three winning streaks of 13 games or more. First team in NBA HISTORY. Granted it doesn't equal a championship, but either way, I'm happy for their success and excuse me for being happy about it.

[Fran]

Sunrise, the Pistons are the best team in the East at the moment.

You don't see me gloating about their greatness.

Be HUMBLE, don't try and come off as the guy who thinks everyone hates his team.

[batman44]

@Sunrise - How the hell am I a naysayer? Just because I don't talk about them in every post (hardly even mention them at all) doesn't mean I hate them! You just think that you should be worshiped in this thread because your team has the best record, and that's just making you a little arrogant.

But if Detroit gets into the Finals, I hope we kick some ass.

As long as it's not the Mavs....wait a minute, I want the Mavs there (finals that is):oldrazz:

[LastSunrise1981]

Sunrise, the Pistons are the best team in the East at the moment.

You don't see me gloating about their greatness.

Be HUMBLE, don't try and come off as the guy who thinks everyone hates his team.

Oh yeah, you've never gloated about their greatness. :whatever:

[Fran]

I don't come here during every Pistons win and make a long post about how awesome they are.

I just say, "Pistons win, __-__ :up:" unless it's a must-win game, or very important to me.

[batman44]

Forgot to mention that I'm glad Devon George is back, he's not 100% but good enough to play some.

[Ghostvirus]

Some of this hate for the Playoffs. There is a high probability that Detroit will Play Dallas. Save it.

[Fran]

At least I'm not calling a Detroit Finals appearance. Miami is dangerous with Wade returning, and Chicago and Cleveland are teams to watch for, IMO.

Detroit has to go on a big winning streak in order to convince me big time.

[LastSunrise1981]

At least I'm not calling a Detroit Finals appearance. Miami is dangerous with Wade returning, and Chicago and Cleveland are teams to watch for, IMO.

Detroit has to go on a big winning streak in order to convince me big time.

:whatever:

You brought out the ******* in me right now, so no more mr. cool laid back Sunrise.

You're the same fan who was glad to see Wade injured and gloated that it practically guaranteed a finals appearance for Detroit. So stop trying to be all Mr. Righteous you hypocrite.

Nice to see that you have so much confidence in your team that Miami losing a star player is the only time you'll back them.

[StorminNorman]

We all know the Knicks are going to win it all :down

[Fran]

Oh No! No more Mr. Cool Laid Back Sunrise.

Where the hell has that persona been all year?

You act as if EVERYONE in this thread has a vendetta against the Mavs and you. Well, it's partly true, because you are an ass about things.

I just said that it made me convinced of a Finals appearance, but I didn't post the pictures, like you suggested I did.

I hope the Pistons get into the Finals and beat the living hell out of the Mavericks. It's retarded of you to just flat out say "Dallas is going no matter what" or "Dallas will probably be there, every other West team sucks, has weaknesses, where Dallas doesn't."

Good for you, 51-9. Congratulations. But a sick record like that doesn't lock you into the Finals.

The Pistons went 64-18 last year, best record. Look what happened.

[LastSunrise1981]

We all know the Knicks are going to win it all :down

Well, if I remember correctly, Houston was in the 6th seed once and managed to win it all. But damn if the Knicks won it? It'd more or less be a confirmation that the Apocalypse is definitely near. :wow:

[Fran]

OH, and when did I EVER SAY, "The Pistons suck," or "They're done, no doubt, I hate them, I'm a ____ supporter now." ???? NEVER.

Get your goddamn facts straight, you moron.

[LastSunrise1981]

Oh No! No more Mr. Cool Laid Back Sunrise.

Where the hell has that persona been all year?

You act as if EVERYONE in this thread has a vendetta against the Mavs and you. Well, it's partly true, because you are an ass about things.

I just said that it made me convinced of a Finals appearance, but I didn't post the pictures, like you suggested I did.

I hope the Pistons get into the Finals and beat the living hell out of the Mavericks. It's retarded of you to just flat out say "Dallas is going no matter what" or "Dallas will probably be there, every other West team sucks, has weaknesses, where Dallas doesn't."

Good for you, 51-9. Congratulations. But a sick record like that doesn't lock you into the Finals.

The Pistons went 64-18 last year, best record. Look what happened.

That's because your sorry ass team struggled with a mediocre Cleveland team.

[Mister J]

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/566/justgetalongvy7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
:up: :up:

[LastSunrise1981]

OH, and when did I EVER SAY, "The Pistons suck," or "They're done, no doubt, I hate them, I'm a ____ supporter now." ???? NEVER.

Get your goddamn facts straight, you moron.

My facts are straight. You clearly don't believe your team could beat a Miami team with Wade, so you decided to gloat at the possibility of him not playing for the season/playoffs.

My facts are straight, so you can stop being a drama queen right now.

[Fran]

That's because your sorry ass team struggled with a mediocre Cleveland team.

How in the HELL is a 64-18 team "sorry ass"?

You are a ****ing idiot. You can't keep up with this argument, and have to resort to just saying stupid statements like the one quoted.

We focused on best record, when we didn't need to. If we didn't get best record, and just focused our energy on the playoffs, it could have been different, no doubt.

But you can't sit here and say "The Pistons suck." You just can't.

[LastSunrise1981]

How in the HELL is a 64-18 team "sorry ass"?

You are a ****ing idiot. You can't keep up with this argument, and have to resort to just saying stupid statements like the one quoted.

We focused on best record, when we didn't need to. If we didn't get best record, and just focused our energy on the playoffs, it could have been different, no doubt.

But you can't sit here and say "The Pistons suck." You just can't.

I just did. Your sorry ass team struggled with a Cleveland team they should've swept, just like Dallas should've swept Miami, but it didn't happen unfortunately.

Either way you being a prick just brought out the ******* side of me.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

@Mister J- No, we cannot get along.

Now I hope Wade does go for forty against Detroit and sends your team packing early. As much as I hate Wade I hope he does comeback soon, since clearly you don't feel confident enough in your team to beat Miami with him in the line-up.

[Fran]

My facts are straight. You clearly don't believe your team could beat a Miami team with Wade, so you decided to gloat at the possibility of him not playing for the season/playoffs.

My facts are straight, so you can stop being a drama queen right now.

I never said that the Pistons are done if Wade is back, I just said it makes them more dangerous. There's a difference in those two! :whatever:

Don't give me **** about being a drama queen. I've seen what you said after the '06 Finals, and you are quite pathetic with some of those Oh So Wise words.

"F*** YOU MIAMI FANS!"

"F*** YOU HEAT!"

Really good sport :up:

[Fran]

Oh, and I'm SOOOO scared to see the a-hole side of you.

But actually, that's the side we've seen through this whole damn thread.

[batman44]

Again, the love in this thread......

[Fran]

Now batman44 is a pretty humble Mavs fan. He ain't bad at all.

[Mister J]

@Mister J- No, we cannot get along.
But there was going to be an 'end of the season/pre-playoffs' party and everything.:(

Now I hope Wade does go for forty against Detroit and sends your team packing early. As much as I hate Wade I hope he does comeback soon, since clearly you don't feel confident enough in your team to beat Miami with him in the line-up.
:hyper:

[LastSunrise1981]

I never said that the Pistons are done if Wade is back, I just said it makes them more dangerous. There's a difference in those two! :whatever:

Don't give me **** about being a drama queen. I've seen what you said after the '06 Finals, and you are quite pathetic with some of those Oh So Wise words.

"F*** YOU MIAMI FANS!"

"F*** YOU HEAT!"

Really good sport :up:

I am not going to deny I said those things. I said them, and I'm not proud of the way I acted, but I believed Dallas was screwed at the time and nothing is going to change that Miami are the champions.

What's done is done and I've accepted it.

You can stop trying to suck up to Batman44 now.

So yes, I hope your sorry Detroit team gets lit-up by Wade and gets sent home packing. Nice to know that you got a known choker on your team now too.

[Fran]

Is it safe to say that LS1981 is the NBA thread's Ghostrider87?

[LastSunrise1981]

But there was going to be an 'end of the season/pre-playoffs' party and everything.:(

:csad:

Bummer. Guess it'll have to wait till next year?

[Fran]

I'm not sucking up to b44, I'm just saying the truth.

And if the Heat DO beat my Pistons, I'm not gonna be a b**** like you were last year.

[Mister J]

:csad:

Bummer. Guess it'll have to wait till next year?
OK, but if the magician doesn't refund my deposit, I'm holding you all responsible. :cmad::trans:


And if the Heat DO beat my Pistons.
:hyper:
Is it safe to say that LS1981 is the NBA thread's Ghostrider87?
Nah. When he's not pissed to the highest levels of pisstivity, Sunrise actually talks some good ball and makes sense.

HP has no clue ...about anything ...ever. Oh, how I loathe him. :o

[Fran]

So Sunrise, if I complement anyone in this thread, that makes me a suck-up?

:huh: :whatever:

[LastSunrise1981]

I'm not sucking up to b44, I'm just saying the truth.

And if the Heat DO beat my Pistons, I'm not gonna be a b**** like you were last year.

Since you're acting like one right now I'm not hurt by it at all.

I admit I was a prick to Mister J, Go Web Go, and other Heat fans. As I said, I've accepted that Miami ARE THE CHAMPIONS. I've moved on.

Hopefully Wade does light you up. Your posts of you giving the thumbs up about him being out of the Heat line-up displayed that you don't have faith in your team, that as long as Wade is playing they don't stand a chance.

So hopefully Miami does bounce your sorry Detroit team again.

Goddamn it feels good to get all of this hatred for Fran and Detroit out of my system again.

[Fran]

I've hated you all along. You f***ing dumbass.

And no one else (except b44 maybe) likes you at all. You're the reason we don't like the Mavs.

[LastSunrise1981]

Double Post.

Hype has been messing up tonight.

[Tangled Web]

Will the Lakers sign Scottie Pipen? Heh? He? Ron Harper part deux.

[LastSunrise1981]

Anyways,

So it's official that Sacramento let Artest go? How can someone so talented be such a cancer to any franchise he goes to? Oh well, guess Sacramento brought it on themselves.

Here's a cool video by the way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykoL2mWHQHM

[Fran]

Okay, I DO hope Wade gets his shoulder hurt even worse. I admit it. I said it earlier in this thread, so I do want it to happen.

And Sunrise, the Mavs aren't a perfect team. A Western team will beat them this year in the playoffs. And go ahead, if the Mavs get to the Finals, rag on me, but it will only make your sorry ass feel better. Because yes, you want to win an internet argument.

But if the Pistons and Mavs meet up, please don't b**** when my team wins the NBA title.

[LastSunrise1981]

OK, but if the magician doesn't refund my deposit, I'm holding you all responsible. :cmad::trans:

:hyper:

Nah. When he's not pissed to the highest levels of pisstivity, Sunrise actually talks some good ball and makes sense.

HP has no clue ...about anything ...ever. Oh, how I loathe him. :o

Pisstivity? That's a new one. :woot: :ninja:

[Fran]

That was great venting. Holding things in just isn't good for your system.

[batman44]

Will the Lakers sign Scottie Pipen? Heh? He? Ron Harper part deux.

hehe, he was at the Mavs game tonight.

[Mister J]

Okay, I DO hope Wade gets his shoulder hurt even worse. I admit it. I said it earlier in this thread, so I do want it to happen.

:cmad:

Oh yeah. Well I hope that Hamilton's mask becomes permanently affixed to his face. Then I hope people start calling him Clear Mask. Then I hope DC Comics sues him for attempting to infringe on the intellectual property design of Black Mask. Then I hope he loses in court. YEAH!

:dry:
Pisstivity? That's a new one. :woot: :ninja:
I stole it from Robin Harris. :o

I miss that man's comedy. :(

And after seeing that Jordan video, I may just cry.

...or embrace it all and find some comparable ones for Magic and Larry. :up:

[LastSunrise1981]

Anyone interested in some Pistol Pete videos and some other old school videos? Found some videos on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQoFM_3L25A
(Pete Maravich displaying his shooting drills.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5DnxxqiiZo
(Maravich showing and explaining some dribbling skills.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BauTMqheoIY
(Pistol Pete tribute)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbm6b-6gvpo
(Dr. J)

I know I posted the Dr. J video before, but it's an amazing video and Dr. J was an amazing player. Some of my favorite dunks from him are in this video during his ABA years and his NBA years. The irony of the Dr. J video is that my dad kind of looked like him and played like him during his High School days.

My dad played for Canton McKinely High School in Canton Ohio and was an All-American player. He modeled his game after players like Jerry West, Bill Sharman, Pete Maravich, and Dr. J. I always found that interesting whenever I watch a Dr. J video.

[Fran]

But J, you know it's all good though.

I know you and I are cool, and obviously LS has me on ignore.

[LastSunrise1981]

:cmad:

Oh yeah. Well I hope that Hamilton's mask becomes permanently affixed to his face. Then I hope people start calling him Clear Mask. Then I hope DC Comics sues him for attempting to infringe on the intellectual property design of Black Mask. Then I hope he loses in court. YEAH!

:dry:

I stole it from Robin Harris. :o

I miss that man's comedy. :(

And after seeing that Jordan video, I may just cry.

...or embrace it all and find some comparable ones for Magic and Larry. :up:

I'll do my best. Usually the ones with Magic and Bird have ****ty quality and horrible music. But I'll see what I can do. :up: :up:

[Fran]

But yeah, everyone, I'm still doing the playoff pool. :up:

[Mister J]

hehe, he was at the Mavs game tonight.
Scottie's got issues. Dallas has told him they don't want his ass trying to piggyback on their quest for a title. Miami told him the same and from what I'm hearing, only the Lakers were mildly interested. Personally, after what he said about him being a better all-around player than Jordan, I want him to submit to a series of psychological exams. :woot:

I'm serious. :ninja:

Funny story. I saw a clip of this on SportsCenter, but this flushes it out better. :woot:
Terry did his best to protect it, even diving into the second row to try keeping alive a rebound. He knocked over a gray-haired woman in the process, then went back and gave her a peck on the cheek once he saw she was OK. Jason Kidd (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2625) teasingly shoved Terry back toward the woman, drawing a laugh from Terry and prompting the public-address announcer to say, "There's a lot of love in here tonight."Dirk Nowitzki (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3252)

Lastly, I alluded to this before it actually happened, but did anyone else do a double take since it became knowledge that Dallas just clinched a playoff berth? :huh:

It's MARCH ****ING 6th!

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OG3PhdFK-M
(Larry Bird montage)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkqmvyIoHA
(Larry Bird going for 60 against the Hawks. The quality is pretty horrible thought.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vHEWOqdyTg
(Interviews about Larry's ability to trash talk and back it up.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdCMU3MfX_U
(Larry's retirement ceremony and Magic Johnson speaking about him.)

The retirement ceremony is in three parts.

[LastSunrise1981]

Double post again!

Damn Hype.

[LastSunrise1981]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vIP9lY3YU
(Bird's Retirement Ceremony PT2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMJPmYyAoEM
(Bird's Retirement Ceremony P3)

[Mister J]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OG3PhdFK-M
(Larry Bird montage)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkqmvyIoHA
(Larry Bird going for 60 against the Hawks. The quality is pretty horrible thought.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vHEWOqdyTg
(Interviews about Larry's ability to trash talk and back it up.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdCMU3MfX_U
(Larry's retirement ceremony and Magic Johnson speaking about him.)

The retirement ceremony is in three parts.
Good stuff. :up:

Lord, that man could play. I need to find a NBA Superstars or Greatest Moments DVD or something. I get too giddy over this stuff.

[Fran]

LS, congratulations on Dallas clinching a playoff berth.

It's been fun, later.

[Mister J]

But J, you know it's all good though.

I know you and I are cool, and obviously LS has me on ignore.
Sure. :up:

...until April 1 @ The Palace and then it's war, Mister! :cmad:

But yeah, everyone, I'm still doing the playoff pool. :up:
:hyper:

[Ghostvirus]

But yeah, everyone, I'm still doing the playoff pool. :up:

You got me signed up right? How are you going to do it? Is if going to go game by game, or by series?


Also I couldn't help but notice that in yer little spat with Lastcumrise, that not once was a possible Chicago Detroit match mentioned. Not once!:cmad: Miami was mention, but not Chicago!

You all will see in the end! You all will pay!*runs out of thread crying*















:ninja:

[LastSunrise1981]

Good stuff. :up:

Lord, that man could play. I need to find a NBA Superstars or Greatest Moments DVD or something. I get too giddy over this stuff.

While we're on the Larry Bird subject. Who do you think is closer to Larry Bird in this day and age? I know Magic said there will never be another Larry Bird and he's absolutely right.

However, who do you think is essentially a throwback to Bird? I'd have to say Dirk Nowitzki is the closest to what Bird represents. Only thing that holds Dirk back is that he hasn't really displayed mental toughness yet. Not to say he doesn't have it, but when you think about it, Bird wouldn't have allowed his team to be up 2-0 and essentially lose it all.

Dirk has the passing, ball handling, shooting, and he's getting better at defense with each game.

[Fran]

People that are in the pool:
Me
Mister J
Maximum_Carnage
Ben Urich
DarthRekal

More spots will be open.

I'm extending an invitation to LastSunrise1981 and batman44.

[Mister J]

While we're on the Larry Bird subject. Who do you think is closer to Larry Bird in this day and age? I know Magic said there will never be another Larry Bird and he's absolutely right.

However, who do you think is essentially a throwback to Bird? I'd have to say Dirk Nowitzki is the closest to what Bird represents. Only thing that holds Dirk back is that he hasn't really displayed mental toughness yet. Not to say he doesn't have it, but when you think about it, Bird wouldn't have allowed his team to be up 2-0 and essentially lose it all.

Dirk has the passing, ball handling, shooting, and he's getting better at defense with each game.
I hate those comparisons of the 'the next such and such' because often they're media created tags to generate interest rather than an accurate and applicable relation of basketball skills. Whenever I hear 'the next Jordan, Bird, Magic, Dr. J, etc', I usually groan.With that said, Dirk's skills probably remind me of Larry the most, primarily because of the range and being able to get a difficult shot off in the face of a (often quicker) defender with quality results.

There aren't too many guys who can score from outside, rebound well, have good passing skills and also be a competent defender. Only Dirk and KG really come to mind. Garnett's range is limited (though he's good from about 20ft. or so) and he plays with his back to the basket far more than Bird did. I do believe his passing skills favor Larry's more than Dirk's do though. Garnett seems to get people easy baskets (or open looks) more akin to Larry's heady play. Under Avery's watch, Nowitzki has improved his defense. With Larry, it wasn't about being a ball hawk, but rather being a good team defender; knowing where to be on rotations, anticipating moves, disrupting the passing lanes, etc. Dirk has made some strides in those areas over the last couple of seasons.

You mentioned Dirk hasn't shown the mental toughness that Bird was noted for and I'd have to agree. Larry just had those ridiculous moments where he'd hit a shot, make a pass, get a steal or something whenever it was needed most. A lot of that was his high basketball IQ. The other part was his will. He just wouldn't lose. As much as that sounds like hyperbole, he believed it and more amazingly, he got everyone else to believe it, even opponents. Look how scared ****less the Lakers were in Game 4 of the '87 Finals when Bird got off the last second shot after Magic's baby hook. Nobody in the building expected that thing to miss. That aura that his team was never out of it as long as he was around separates Bird from most. Dirk's had a few of those moments where it seems he wouldn't let the team lose in the clutch (Game 5 of last year's WCF comes to mind), but he's had moments where he didn't produce in the clutch. He'll need to get more of the former to elevate himself to a truly elite level, but measuring up to Bird there is a tall order for anybody.

So at the end of all this verbiage, what am I saying? All in all, Nowitzki's skill set is most comparable to those of Bird. He handles the comparison better than most who I've seen that tag applied to (Laettner, Ferry, Dunleavy, Szczerbiak, Croshere and, at one time, Antoine Walker). People list Adam Morrsion under that umbrella too, but it's too early to call it there. I don't think we'll ever truly see another Larry Bird, but I do see how Dirk's game compares in regard.

[LastSunrise1981]

You know I still watch highlights of that series. The classic series in which Magic hit the baby skyhook in the clutch and the shot that Larry missed.

The interesting things is that the shot was on target. If he had say about 3 or 4 seconds? It would've went in for sure and Boston would've won that game in the end. But yes I remember how everyone(including my dad, who hated the Celtics) was expecting that shot to go in.

Here is some cool information too.

Bird's competitive nature is also shown through by his constant trash-talking on the court. Some notable examples:

During one game on Christmas Day against the Indiana Pacers, before the game Bird told Chuck Person that he would give him a Christmas present. During the game, when Person was on the bench, Bird shot a three-pointer on the baseline right in front of Person. Immediately after the shot, Bird said to Person, "Merry Christmas!", and then the shot went in.

During the three-point shooting contest on All-Star Weekend 1986, Bird entered the locker room, looked around without saying a word, then finally said "I'm just looking around to see who's gonna finish up second." He indeed won the shooting contest

Late in a tied game against the Seattle SuperSonics, Bird told Supersonics forward Xavier McDaniel, who was guarding him, exactly where he would hit the game winning shot. After a timeout, Bird made two baseline cuts, then posted in the exact spot he had indicated to McDaniel, paused and turned and hit the shot in his face.

On a night in 1984 versus Philadelphia where he was outscoring Julius Erving by a margin of 42–6, he continuously informed Erving of their tallies every chance he got, which resulted in first a shoving match, then swings taken by both players and culminated in a bench-clearing brawl

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Above all, Bird is remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA. Few players before or since Bird have performed as brilliantly in critical moments of games. The following is merely a sample of the notable clutch efforts of Bird's career:

In Game 7 of the 1981 Eastern Conference finals against the rival Philadelphia 76ers, Boston and Philadelphia were tied 89-89 when Bird sank a fast-break mid-range pull-up bank shot, a very difficult shot to execute under intense pressure. That basket won Boston the game and the series and they would go on to win the NBA championship in the Finals. In the late stages of the game Bird also had two key steals, two free throws made, a rebound, and a blocked shot.
In the series-clinching Game 6 of the 1986 Finals, Bird recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.

In Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, with five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and Boston trailing the Pistons 107-106, Bird stole an inbound pass from Isiah Thomas that was intended for Bill Laimbeer. With the clock ticking down and with his momentum carrying him out of bounds, Bird turned and fired the ball to teammate Dennis Johnson, who converted a layup with 1 second left to win the game for Boston. The dramatic play saved the series for the Celtics, who, had they lost Game 5, would have had to win Game 6 in Detroit (where they were winless in the series) to force a decisive seventh game. Instead, after losing in Detroit, Boston won Game 7 and advanced to the Finals.

In Game 4 of the 1987 Finals against the Lakers, Bird fought off defender James Worthy, got the ball, turned and hit a three-point shot with less than a minute remaining to give the Celtics the lead. Magic Johnson would regain the lead for the Lakers with a clutch shot of his own, but Bird had one final chance to win the game. With only a few seconds remaining, he received the ball behind the three-point line and fired again. The shot was on line, but glanced off the rim and missed as time expired.

In a game in Washington against the Bullets in 1987, the Celtics trailed the Bullets by 3 points with 6 seconds remaining in regulation. A three-pointer by Bird had been waved off because their coach, K. C. Jones, had already called a timeout. Bird then successfully made another three-pointer to send the game into overtime. When the Celtics trailed by two points near the end of the first overtime, Bird was fouled and converted both free throws. With 2 seconds remaining in the second overtime the Celtics trailed by one. Bird sank a buzzer-beating runner to win the game, 140-139.

In the 1988 All-Star Weekend Three Point Contest, Bird — the winner of the event in both years since its creation in 1986 — faced Seattle SuperSonics guard Dale Ellis in the final round of the competition. Ellis went first and scored 15 points. Bird started slowly, then ran off a series of made baskets, needing to hit his final three shots to beat Ellis, which he did. After Bird shot the last ball in the rack, he raised his arm and index finger as the ball was halfway to the rim, and walked away. The shot went in, winning the competition 17-15 and earning Bird's third-straight shootout title.

In Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, Bird shot 9 of 10 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in that quarter alone and lifting the Celtics to a narrow series-clinching victory over Atlanta. Bird outdueled the Hawks' Dominique Wilkins, who scored 47 points in that game. Bird had previously guaranteed to reporters that Boston would not lose the game; his fourth-quarter performance delivered his promise.

On March 31, 1991, the Boston Celtics fought hard with the Chicago Bulls in their last meeting of the season, which went into double overtime. Bird almost won the game for his team at the end of regulation when his 30-foot 3-point shot just missed after getting a high bounce on top of the rim. In the second overtime period, Bird scored 9 points on 4 of 5 shooting from the field and helped the Celtics beat the Bulls, 135-132. Many called this particular game Bird's finest performance against Michael Jordan, considering that it came at a time when Bird's physical durability had eroded (Bird was suffering from debilitating back problems).

In the second quarter of game 5 of the Celtics' 1991 first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Bird lost the ball and dove after it, crashing face-first onto the Boston Garden floor. A hushed Garden crowd watched as Bird was escorted to the locker room, then erupted in the third quarter as Bird dramatically came up the ramp to the court and rejoined his teammates.

Despite a concussion and a resultant severe headache, Bird scored 32 points on 12 for 19 shooting, leading Boston to victory for the game and the series.
In the last seconds of his a nationally-televised regular season game with the Portland Trail Blazers in March 1992, Bird saved the Celtics as his desperation one-handed three-point shot went in and sent the game into overtime. Bird tallied 49 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals for his 59th and final career triple-double in what many fans called his last great game in the NBA. The Celtics won in double overtime over the Blazers, 152-148. Bird's 49 points stands as the NBA record for most points scored while registering a triple-double.

Michael Jordan, who may have followed Bird as the league's most feared clutch player through his heroics with the Chicago Bulls, once was asked who he would want to take a shot with the game on the line, other than himself. Before the question could be finished, Jordan quickly responded, "Larry Bird."[Sports Illustrated, June 21, 2005]

[Darren Daring]

Hey, just wanted to step in and say that I'm glad Orlando beat Milwaukee the other day. The last thing I want is to completely destroy Ben Urich's college years.

[Mister J]

You know I still watch highlights of that series. The classic series in which Magic hit the baby skyhook in the clutch and the shot that Larry missed.

The interesting things is that the shot was on target. If he had say about 3 or 4 seconds? It would've went in for sure and Boston would've won that game in the end. But yes I remember how everyone(including my dad, who hated the Celtics) was expecting that shot to go in.

Here is some cool information too.

Some of that stuff is almost too incredible to believe. A lot of them were in that Youtube clip you posted the other day. That game he had in New Orleans against the Hawks, where he set the Celtics single-game scoring record was insane. You can see Antoine Carr or someone leaned on his teammates on the bench essentially engrossed by Bird's performance. Then he hit some ridiculous 3 that literally sent a couple of Hawks players flying off the bench in awe, damn near applauding. There was a note there that Mike Fratello fined some of the players because they seemed to be enjoying the show too much. :woot:

Bill Simmons loves to recall a game back in the Garden, toward the end of Bird's career. The Celtics were down and Bird had been struggling and could barely stand (his back was killing him). The crowd was all but out of it when some bird landed on the court (got in through a vent or something). Apparently the crowd took it as some sort of sign and got a "LAR-RY, LAR-RY" chant going on. Damn if Larry didn't take over the game with some ridiculous 4th quarter and pull it out for Boston.

Hey, just wanted to step in and say that I'm glad Orlando beat Milwaukee the other day. The last thing I want is to completely destroy Ben Urich's college years.
You laugh Brodie, but if the Bucks knock Orlando out of the playoffs one year, Urich's going to come looking for you. :ninja:

[Darren Daring]

Bill Simmons is dreamy:heart:

[Mister J]

Rekal ...I really don't know what to say. Did you piss off a voodoo priestess or something? :confused:

NBA De-Fangs Mamba; Deadly Viper Suspended One Game For Flailing Elbow (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534)
The NBA is suspending Lakers guard Kobe Bryant for Wednesday night's game at Milwaukee for catching Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric in the face Tuesday night.

After getting his shot blocked by Jaric, Bryant flailed his arms and caught Jaric in the face with 58.7 seconds left in regulation Tuesday.

Bryant was called for a foul on the play. Bryant struck San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili in the face in similar fashion with two-tenths of a second left in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 96-94 overtime loss Jan. 28 against the Spurs.

Bryant was not called for a foul on that play, but was suspended for the Lakers' next game.

Bryant was suspended in that incident for what league disciplinarian Stu Jackson called driving "a stiff arm backward."

Jaric said he was surprised that Bryant was suspended.

"I haven't seen the replay, but if you ask me what I thought about the play when it happened, I don't think he did it intentionally, and I don't think players should be suspended for things that happen unintentionally," Jaric told ESPN.com. "I think he was trying to draw a foul, and he swung his hand out to make it look dramatic, and he hit me by accident. He apologized right after."

It is the fifth time that Bryant has been suspended by the NBA.

[Darren Daring]

You think he's upset? I was gonna see Kobe play tonight:(

[Ghostvirus]

Hey, just wanted to step in and say that I'm glad Orlando beat Milwaukee the other day. The last thing I want is to completely destroy Ben Urich's college years.

LOL!

Rekal ...I really don't know what to say. Did you piss off a voodoo priestess or something? :confused:

NBA De-Fangs Mamba; Deadly Viper Suspended One Game For Flailing Elbow (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2790534)

What the bloody hell!?! I smell shananigans! I wanted to see LA V.S. Mavericks!:cmad:

[Ghostvirus]

Hey J...:ninja:
http://www.umma.lsa.umich.edu/collections/brooms/images/large/s24203%20broom.jpg

[Mister J]

You think he's upset? I was gonna see Kobe play tonight:(
Lakers are kinda thin right now with all the injuries. Maybe you can take his place. How's your jumpshot?

If it goes well, maybe you get signed to a 10-day contract and make some good $$$. If you stink, it'll help the Bucks win. This is really a no-lose situation for you. :up:

Hey J...:ninja:
http://www.umma.lsa.umich.edu/collections/brooms/images/large/s24203%20broom.jpg
:cmad::cmad::cmad:

[Darren Daring]

I don't want the bucks to win.:cmad: With a subpar final two months and a little luck, we might get Oden or Durant.

[DarthRekal]

$tern and his cronie $tu..at it again:cmad:


it's alright though.... we will win just to piss off the league..and will make it to the WCF... just to piss off $tu...we goin on a (arenas) vendetta tour..startin with the almighty MAVS:cmad:

[Mister J]

God, I hope both of those guys defy all known logic and stay in school. I'd laugh for a month straight at least. :o

[Mister J]

Pistons guard Lindsay Hunter suspended 10 games without pay in an effort to be president of the Shawne Merriman Fan Club.

i.e. Testing positive for a banned substance (a weight loss pill? :huh:)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2791107

[Darren Daring]

I would not laugh:(

[Fran]

Damnit, Lindsay!

[Mister J]

VICTORY!!!
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5990/300pxentourageep209af6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

We still lost the season series 3-1 and took at 42 point whipping on Ring Night, but the 103-70 result gives me the warm and fuzzies. :hyper:

In the post-birthday celebration, Shaq Daddy almost ****ed around and got a triple-double; 24/9/8. EJ goes ballistic from 3 in the 4th quarter again. More suffocating defense. :cool:

I was waiting for that damn Ben Gordon to eat his Wheaties or spinach or whatever the hell it is he does when he goes off. Thankfully, it never came. :up:

4 out of the next 5 at home. Go forward, Heatians!
*shakes fist and screams excessively*

[Ghostvirus]

Umm, Sh***!!!!!!:cmad::csad:

[Mister J]

We needed that one, MC. 0-4 is just ugly. Besides, if Miami lost, there was a 61.3% chance I would have sank into a transient depression that could only by sated by the embrace of whiskey. I'm more of a scotch or rum kinda guy, so that was out of the question. :up:

Btw, Skiles is totally cursing out your boys right now. I think Orlando's got a hellacious effort coming against them tomorrow.

[DarthRekal]

James Worthy says "there's a conspiracy against Kobe":cmad:

[Ghostvirus]

We needed that one, MC. 0-4 is just ugly. Besides, if Miami lost, there was a 61.3% chance I would have sank into a transient depression that could only by sated by the embrace of whiskey. I'm more of a scotch or rum kinda guy, so that was out of the question. :up:

Btw, Skiles is totally cursing out your boys right now. I think Orlando's got a hellacious effort coming against them tomorrow.

I can understand losing. What I don't get is how they lost by 33 f-ing points! They better beat Orlando! This sh** is getting redick!

James Worthy says "there's a conspiracy against Kobe":cmad:


Actually after looking at the replay on ESPN. It does look like Kobe has dirty little trick going. What he did to G-Nobes was pretty much what he did to that dude on the Bucks.

What was his punishment anyway?

[Fran]

Goddamn Cavaliers.

Oh, and did I mention that I hate LeBron? :up:

Thanks.

[Fran]

Oh, and I guess since I was mad about my team, that makes me not back them, correct? :huh:

[Ghostvirus]

Oh, and I guess since I was mad about my team, that makes me not back them, correct? :huh:

Yep, you are a son of a b**ch. Now go in he corner, & think about what you have done.:cmad: :ninja:

[DarthRekal]

Actually after looking at the replay on ESPN. It does look like Kobe has dirty little trick going. What he did to G-Nobes was pretty much what he did to that dude on the Bucks.

What was his punishment anyway?
1 game ..but he has always done that.. and other including dwade and lebron and the great MJ have flailed before...he has no way to see where the dude is behind him.. you may be right in he should stop flailing but you're wrong in him intentionally tryin to hit someone with it

[LastSunrise1981]

Dallas clinched the 1st seed with the best record in the West. From the looks of things they'll be playing the Clippers in the First Round.

[LastSunrise1981]

If all goes well Dallas should play the Clipps in the First Round. My prediction? I say Dallas in a sweep or Dallas in 5.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but Dallas has clinched their spot and I think Detroit has too. Miami has the 6th seed at the moment.

[Fran]

Sunrise, in the pool or not?

[L.A.]

Dallas clinched the 1st seed with the best record in the West. From the looks of things they'll be playing the Clippers in the First Round.
And will be swept out no problem! Clips needs to tank the rest of the season and try to get Oden!!!

[Ben Urich]

The Magic have started their third-quarter collapse early. :o

[Fran]

Dude, you're back. Early! :up:

[Ben Urich]

I guess... :huh:

The Magic scored 29 in the first half. I repeat, first half. Not quarter. Half. Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich have that by themselves.

:down

[Fran]

Jesus Christ.

[Ben Urich]

We're 31% from the field, 16% from 3, and 33% from the foul line.

Foul line, indeed.

HEY-O! :o

[Fran]

Jeez, and I was gonna watch that on TNT HD.

I'll go watch "Thank You For Smoking" now. :o

[Ben Urich]

Good idea.
Let me know how it is. :up:

[Mister J]

I guess... :huh:

The Magic scored 29 in the first half. I repeat, first half. Not quarter. Half. Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich have that by themselves.

:down
Interesting. Chicago only scored 27 in the second half last night. :o:hyper:

I should stop with the giddiness. This is usually where one of the Heatians gets hurt. Stupid non-working invincibility spells.:cmad: :(

[Ben Urich]

Well, we've held the Bulls to 94 points so far. Not bad.
Now if only we could manage to score more than, say, 71. :csad:

[Ghostvirus]

Well atleast the Bulls won big during a televised game.:up:

[Mister J]

That looked ugly. Seriously, what the hell has happened to Orlando over the last month or so? :confused:

[Fran]

Sorry about the Magic, Ben. :csad:

But I loved "Thank You For Smoking." :):up:

[Ben Urich]

Well atleast the Bulls won big during a televised game.:up:

Yeah, congratulations on stomping the crap out of us. Now I know how the Nets felt when we beat them by 30+ back in January. :csad:

That looked ugly. Seriously, what the hell has happened to Orlando over the last month or so? :confused:

Um, not to put too fine a point on it.... but they can't put the ball in the basket... and they turn the ball over a ridiculous amount.

Sorry about the Magic, Ben. :csad:

I'm used to it by now. :csad::up:

But I loved "Thank You For Smoking."

I'll have to check that one out.
Enjoy the Magic's draft pick. :o

[Fran]

So I've got some names for the NBA Playoff Pool:
Me
DarthRekal
Mister J
Ben Urich
Maximum_Carnage

That's it so far.

[Mister J]

Minnesota is in town tonight. No letdowns!
Argh! :cmad:

Btw, every time I see Ricky Davis listed as the T'wolves leader in assists, I get the urge to laugh uncontrollably. Usually, I give in. :up:
Argh! :cmad:

Billups' Dues To Pay Off (http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5390442)
What better choice for Billups to make his permanent basketball home than Denver, where he was born?

Billups would be receptive to the idea of a sign-and-trade deal that could land him with the Nuggets, according to agent Andy Miller, who represents the 10th-year veteran.

Hiya Fran, ol' buddy. :hyper:





Argh! :cmad:

[Fran]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :csad::mad:

[Darren Daring]

So I've got some names for the NBA Playoff Pool:
Me
DarthRekal
Mister J
Ben Urich
Maximum_Carnage

That's it so far.

What's involved?

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

Come on Golden State, I can't remember the last time we say a 3 game win streak.

[Fran]

What's involved?

Well, I'm still making up stuff for it, but basically it's like the NFL one.

Except instead of W-L record, I'm doing a points system that will get more in-depth the further we are into the playoffs.

If you want in Brodie, you're in.

[Mister J]

Big Diesel is really bringing it. 32/9 (13/16 from the field). :D

J-Dub, Zo and EJ all stepped up. Can't believe Miami dominated the boards like that. 11 in a row at home and Washington comes in on Sunday. Nice chance to cut into that division lead some more. :up:

[Ghostvirus]

Big Diesel is really bringing it. 32/9 (13/16 from the field). :D

J-Dub, Zo and EJ all stepped up. Can't believe Miami dominated the boards like that. 11 in a row at home and Washington comes in on Sunday. Nice chance to cut into that division lead some more. :up:

If the Heat keep this up. You gotta put Big Deisel in the MVP race, & if they actaully do get to the CF Finals. Then I give him MVP.:up:

[Mister J]

They're not supposed to consider postseason play (though I'm not sure when the votes come in, so it's not like the voters couldn't), but if Miami keeps making this push, he'll get some run. I doubt a guy who missed 39 games would be a legit threat to win it, but another All-NBA First Team is a definite possibility.

It's ridiculous. Everything on offense is running through him and it's nearly seamless because he knows how to keep the ball to the perimeter guys in rhythm. Guys are taking turns and stepping up as needed. I knew there was more gas left in the tank than most speculated, but Shaq, on a singular level, and the team, as a collective, have done much better than what I hoped since Flash went down.

[Ben Urich]

Go Magic. :csad::up::

[Mister J]

Mamba really seems to have a problem with his elbows as of late. The one he hit Korver with last night looked more out of place than the two he got suspended for. I still don't think he's trying to hurt anyone, but I'm guessing he gets suspended again. This is wild.

[Fran]

Pistons stop their 2-game skid, beat up on the Nuggets.

Our "choker" got 20 points. :word::up:

[Ben Urich]

Mamba really seems to have a problem with his elbows as of late. The one he hit Korver with last night looked more out of place than the two he got suspended for. I still don't think he's trying to hurt anyone, but I'm guessing he gets suspended again. This is wild.

Someone pointed out in a chat at ESPN that Kobe wouldn't nail any Sixers because they don't have any Europeans on their roster. Chris Sheridan said he wouldn't rule it out because Mamba could mistake Louis Amundson for a Canadian. :woot:

[CrypticOne]

Man, the Nuggets are making me angry. I need to smash somthing. I don't know whats up with Melo. He really needs to work.

[Showtime]

Go Magic. :csad::up::

They need a change...maybe new uniforms. :csad:

Thanks to Starchild @ www.sportslogos.net

http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~jhefetz1/Jerseys/NBA/MagicFinalRoadConcept_Small.jpg

http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~jhefetz1/Jerseys/NBA/MagicFinalConcept_Small.jpg

[Ben Urich]

Combining the old pinstripes and numbers with the new wordmark.... I'll pass. The ones they have now are fine.

[Ben Urich]

Gotta love Dick Bavetta:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/reggiebavetta.jpg
Reggie was seated courtside at the Pacers/76ers game Saturday. When Reggie was recognized over the public address system during a first-quarter timeout, Bavetta tried to drag him onto the court. :woot::up:
... the Pacers lost. That's 8 in a row. :csad:

[Mister J]

Holy crap! 8 in a row? WTF? :huh:

That sucks, Ben. O'Neal and Tinsley are going to be out for the next 3 or 4 games too. Damn. :(

[Ben Urich]

I might come home the weekend of the 30th to see the Magic play the Pacers. Thing is, the way both teams are playing now, they both may find a way to lose. :huh::csad:
And, uh, don't look now, but the 76ers have won 7 straight. :huh::apocalypse:

[Mister J]

I'm guessing the Hype servers have already adjusted for Daylight Savings Time. My sense of time cannot be that screwed up.

Sucks that both of your teams are down, dude. I thought Orlando's early showing was a sign of things to come. I never expect much from the Pacers, but still, WTF?

Philly = 7 straight? ...Holy Balls! :wow: I've seen Igoudala getting it done, but there's obviously more going on there. Andre Miller has been an excellent addition for them. The news about Mo Cheeks being brought back has to help for some continuity and piece of mind. I still think Billy King is horrible at his job, but that team has done well to rally.

In further news pointing toward the impending Apocalypse, the Knicks currently are the 8th seed in the playoffs. :dry:

[SoulManX]

Wow:dry:

[Mister J]

Holy ****! What a game at the Triple A! Crazy last 6 seconds with Jamison getting whistled a flaky moving screen call to take away a Wizards shot to win, Miami's inability to make free throws to ice the game, a touch foul on GP to give Arenas 3 FTs to tie and Haslem with the game winner.

1 game off of the division lead, baby. :hyper:

[Ben Urich]

I think I pissed off a voodoo priestess. :csad:
The Pacers have dropped nine straight, the Magic have lost 21 of their past 28, both teams are fighting for the right to be swept by Detroit or Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, and the Magic need to finish 12-6 just to have a .500 season. :csad:

The good news: I saw 300 this morning. :up:

[Showtime]

Celtics wore their St. Patty's Day Uniforms tonight...

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/MACS10103112336.jpg

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/MACS10203120009.jpg

http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/MACS10503120140.jpg

[The Riddler]

yao's 37 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks shows he already getting back to MVP form.

a few games more and he should get his rebounds up again.

[Fran]

Pistons beat up on the Clippers, 98-80 :up:

Saw 300 for the second time today :up:

[Ben Urich]

The Celtics should make those St. Patrick's Day uniforms their normal alts; the ones with the black trim and HUGE black triangles on the sides of the shorts are atrocious.

The gold looks really fantastic on those. :up:

THIS. IS. SPARTA!!!!1

[Fran]

I love my Avvy/CT/Location combo.

Triple effectiveness.

[Showtime]

The Celtics should make those St. Patrick's Day uniforms their normal alts; the ones with the black trim and HUGE black triangles on the sides of the shorts are atrocious.

The gold looks really fantastic on those. :up:

THIS. IS. SPARTA!!!!1

I agree, I don't like the black at all. They were actually going to get have an uniform with alot more black several years ago, but it didn't end up happening. Photos were even released and what not.

I think this gold look should be a staple, it's classy.

I want to see 300, I am jealous.

[Ghostvirus]

Bulls beat Celtics.:up:

Kind of like beating up on a retarded kid, but hey a wins a win!

[Ben Urich]

FreeDarko posted a link a great photo album that shows NBA players hanging out with regular people. Here are the highlights:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/417257039_ce775b39a4.jpg?v=0
Scot Pollard

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/415818476_35369aca70.jpg?v=0
Mark Madsen

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/415645077_44cdba8c9e.jpg?v=0
Chris Duhon

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/416021002_56332288a5.jpg?v=0
Michael Doleac

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/417002615_17a9301295.jpg?v=0
Randy Foye

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/415645442_a0ee284cd9.jpg?v=0
Jeff Foster

Full album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stewmac/sets/72157594578959707/

[The Riddler]

lol who knew doleac was so pimp?

[Ghostvirus]

& apparently drunk, or hight.LOL!

[Mister J]

Reoirt: Knicks' Thomas Earns Multi-Year Extension (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2795257)

NEW YORK -- Isiah Thomas has shown enough "evident progress" to earn a multiyear contract extension, several New York-area newspapers reported Monday.

The New York Times, citing a person "briefed on the matter," says Thomas will sign the new deal to remain both team president and head coach on Monday. The Knicks are 29-34, but are in the hunt for their first playoff berth since 2004.

The Knicks won 23 games last year under Larry Brown, who was later fired.

A spokesman for Madison Square Garden said that Knicks owner James Dolan will meet with reporters on Monday morning. He is expected to announce Thomas' extension during that meeting.

No terms of Thomas' reported extention were cited. He is the Knicks' fifth head coach since Jeff van Gundy resigned in Dec. 2001.
:dry:

Yeah, yeah. I know about their record and the fact they're in the playoff hunt, but still ...:dry:

I had hoped to make so much more fun of Isiah. And with them all capped up, he can't overpay for any more players. I feel I missed out here. :(

[Ghostvirus]

This is a tragedy. Larry Brown is a great coach. Isiah was a great Basketball Player, but a horrible coach. He is going to to drag the knicks down until there is either nothing left, or a New Yorker shoots him. It was inevitable that they would do better this season. They had no where to go, but up. If Larry was still coaching, they probably would have been more than just a playoff birth. Anyway I feel my blood start to boil, so before I lose it. I am out.:whatever:

[Fran]

I want Larry Brown back, damnit.

[Ghostvirus]

Did y'all here the rumor that Cuban was close to selling the Mavs over the summer.

He supposedly said he almost did, because he was sick of basketball, & that he saw alot of things go down in finals that he couldn't believe.:whatever:

[Fran]

Goddamnit Carnage, you just awoke the beast! :cmad:

[Ghostvirus]

It wasn't really a negative post. I was just simply pointing out what the rumor was. I am staying away from expressing how I feel about it, because I am just not in the mood.